A folktale may be defined as a tale of the people, a short, fast-moving oral or written adventure story perhaps of a comic or romantic nature. It is a traditional story of a particular group of people and follows a basic design. Since it is told by many storytellers, it has differing versions or variations. Because it has been handed down through…

Recommends literary fairy tales, or art fairy tales, as a rich source of material for the accomplished storyteller or for the beginner who has an affinity for stories written by literary stylists. (AEA)

Provides a rationale for using trickster tales in the classroom. Introduces representative trickster tales from many cultures, and samples activities that teachers can use to introduce trickster tales to their students. (SR)

A study of folklore may be a way of introducing children to traditional stories which tell of a culture's superstitions, beliefs and customs. (JH)

Describes 21 activities for a unit on tall tales intended for use with young children in seven content areas: language arts, social studies, science, math, block activities, creative movement/dramatics, and art. (SR)

There is a wealth of material in the oral tradition of fantasy which can be used in creating gripping fiction for young readers. One way of employing a tale from the oral tradition to produce a modern fantasy is to superimpose the old story on a new one in such a way that it is tightly interwoven in the action and meaning of the new story. This…

Contends that fantasy always includes at least one element of the impossible, one element that goes against the laws of the physical universe as currently understood. Suggests that fantasy can help in learning the most fundamental skill of all--how to be human. (MS)

ERIC abstracts of folk literature. Details the pros and cons of folk story telling and fairy tales to young children. (AF)

Offers a practical demonstration of the conventions of children's literature. Discusses dragon lore and their parodies. Presents class activities related to such lore. (RS)

This book is a collection of folklore and tales written or collected by and/or about people in Flagler County, Florida, and intended to stimulate adult reading enthusiasm. Most of the stories are humorous; they are grouped into seven chapters in the book. Chapters include tales of events, ghosts, drinking and moonshine, courting, old cures and…

This volume, the third in the International Reading Association's Perspectives Series on literature for school age children, concerns the role of folklore and the types of folktales in several areas of the world. These papers were originally presented at IRA's Fifteenth Annual Convention held in Anaheim, California, in 1970. Several articles are…

Discusses the many world-wide stories of Cinderella, contrasting the American version with other versions in different eras and cultures. (MB)

Reviews four films from independent filmmaker Tom Davenport's series, "From the Brothers Grimm," and shows his use of ideas and images from folk literature. (EL)

Reviews "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by E. Speare to show how the full narrative power of the novel derives from the author's successful integration of two separate narrative genres: historical fiction and the folktale. (EL)

Describes the folk tale "Iron John" and the attraction it held for the author as a boy. Discusses the author's own reforming of the tale in a picture book version. (SR)